Friday, February 24, 2012

Some people are not afraid of the cold and others regard it with utter contempt. Even if I'm the kind of person who enjoys every single period of the year, I nonetheless definitely prefer the fresher season as I hate to sweat excessively or get sunburnt like a shrimp on a barbie.

Sometimes I wonder if those predispositions are linked to my DNA or is it just a personal preference. What if our genes influenced our manner of conducting ourselves and our traits of character? Hmmm, that is quite a difficult question to answer, however I believe that if our health can be defined by our bloodline, then there are chances that our emotions, temperament and identity is also outlined by it.

You see, my father's ancestors were Swiss mountainers who might have had Danish or English origins (my family name is NOT Swiss at all). Then, on my my mother's side they came from the rugged areas of Northern England where Viking settlers made themselves at home and also from European Russia, a place which is famous for its dreadful freezingness.

Because of this heritage, as a child my hair was so straw-straight and pale blond that I had the appearence of a Swedish little girl (my eyes are blue and my skin is fair too, hence the similarities). It is the reason why I was so popular amongst Japanese tourists who invariably asked my parents if they could shoot my portrait every time they caught a sight of me. Those features attracted them like crazy...

The care with which these nations cherished their hair was remarkable. A striking instance of their solicitude respecting it, is afforded by a young warrior who was condemned to be beheaded. His last and most earnest request was, that it might not be stained with his blood, or exposed, after his death, to the rude touch of a slave. In some instances, ringlets of auburn hair have been found in the tombs of the early Britons.

- Excerpt form "The Scottish Gael" by J. Logan

The light thou beholdest
Stream through the heavens,
In flashes of crimson,
Is but my red beard
Blown by the night-wind,
Affrighting the nations!
Jove is my brother;
Mine eyes are the lightning;
The wheels of my chariot
Roll in the thunder,
The blows of my hammer
Ring in the earthquake!

- "The Challenge of Thor" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Sadly, the older I grew, the darker and frizzier my mane became. Nowadays, my locks are light auburn colored with golden highlights and they are still quite wavy. Once again, this is another sign of the legacy of my forefathers as both my complexion and reddish-brown tint occurs most frequently in the phenotypes originating in Northern Europe*, so it is no surprise if my spirit is that of a "true daughter of Thor".

*Scandinavia, Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, the Benelux countries, France, Poland and Russia - Leading the pack, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England have the most redheads. Scotland has the highest proportion with 13% having red hair and ~ 40% possessing the recessive redhead gene. Ireland is second highest with ~ 10% having it and 40% carrying the gene.

~ Picture taken by my late English grandfather ~

I carry the love for harsh and dramatic weather within my blood. It is encoded in my genetic material and deeply rooted in me. There is no doubt about that. Yet, I must admit that although I find crisp air rather envigorating, the last two weeks' Polar conditions took a toll on me and brought my mood down since I didn't set a foot out of the door from fear of being transformed into a giant human icicle!

Well, in my defense, until not long ago, Europe had been experiencing the worst Winter in decades. On the 27th of January we were hit be a coldwave that brushed across the continent, brought blizzards and caused the thermometer to dip to bitter levels. Temperatures of - 35.1° C were recorded during the night in the Swiss Alps (though nothing quite like the -41.8° C recorded in 1987 in La Brévine, Neuchâtel) and in Geneva they sank to - 13° C. Besides, massive snowfalls transformed our landscapes into Siberian wastelands, intense frost swept through the country and the Bise (mean and dry North-Eastern wind) was so violent it went right through you. Brrrrrrr!

The town of Geneva resembled a deserted Illinois ghost town and the rural areas looked like the icy Finnish tundra. Needless to say that there weren't many crowds defying the benumbing elements. The only courageous individuals who braved the harsh conditions were disciplined blue-collars who wore impressive layers of clothes and rushed through the streets as if it was a matter of life and death.

O Winter ruler of the inverted year. . . I crown thee king of intimate delights, Fireside enjoyments, home-born happiness, And all the comforts that the lowly roof Of undisturb'd Retirement, and the hours Of long uninterrupted evening, know.

- William Cowper

On the positive side, this kind of climate is perfect for hibernating, cocooning, taking care of yourself, cuddling with that special someone, finding excuses to stay home, lying longer in your snug bed, eating more comforting foods than usual (I nourish myself in a balanced way, but when the days are dark and glacial it is difficult not want to uplift your mood with cheering grub such as chocolate or cakes) and for being as lazy as a ferret.

But, as we all know, even if this kind of behavior is good for our soul, it is impossible to close our eyes on the negative impact all this hedonistically "shameless" binging and sluggish lifetsyle has on our body. I have to admit that while my trousers still fit me, I wish they'd be a little less tight around the hips, hence I've decided to take things in hand and start cutting down on hyper-calorific treats as well as exercizing again.

Spring is around the corner and I really want to be in shape when the warm rays of the sun caress my skin and nature is blooming. I would be terribly angry with myself if I felt unwell and out of breath while riding my bike through the fields or while walking up the Salève mountain. So, in order to attain my goal, my plan is to re-tone my muscles, have a better control of what I devour and limitate my ingestion of flour, sugary goods as well as nuts.

Having said that, I have to point out that I refuse to go on any diet as I don't find it is a good and lasting solution to weight gain. In my opinion, instead of fasting like an anorexic model, following the latest nutrionists' doolally fads or transforming into a fitness fascist, one should lead a harmonious life by giving priority to mindful nutrition and physical activity without ever forgetting to find pleasure in food and joy in existence.

Consequently, at the moment, big quantities of vegetables are on the menu, but that is no problem for me as I adore greens and I'm used to cooking with them. It is rare that I come across one veggie I hate or simply cannot stomach. In fact, I am quite a legume enthusiast.

One of my favorite veggies is beet. This gorgeous root is available in a range of pretty colors that illuminate the plate, has an interesting sweet and earthy flavor which is really refined and is extremely versatile. Beetroot is so awesome and totally indispensable. It's a real must-have in my kitchen. I can't imagine not using it on a regular basis as I appreciate inventing exotic or regional recipes with it.

My most recent creation is a classy, easy, fresh, nourishing, flavorful and nutrient-ladden salad which consists of thin slices of blanched beetroots that have been marinaded in a balsamic vinegar vinaigrette and which are topped with onions rings, cottage cheese, walnuts and a soft-boiled egg. This meatless course makes a great main dish if accompanied by a few slices of dark rye bread/crackers or a few buttered potatoes. Wonderful!

What an adorable photo of you with the Japanese lady Rosa. No wonder they wanted you to pose with them.

I don't ever want to be cold again in my life, so we "follow the sun" when it moves south and then journey back with it as it goes north. As a Jimmy Buffet song would say, "I keep my flip-flops in Dixie."

Your beet salad is gorgeous and the egg is perfectly cooked. My husband would hug you for a plate as I don't prepare beets for him. (shame on me!).Sam

The photo of the snow covered tree is absolutely beautiful.Its interesting how the hair color changes. I've noticed in Central Asia - some babies are born with blond or light hair and it turns black later

I had no idea about your heritage. Danish, Viking, and Swiss...how exotic!

I don't believe in diets either. (The years I spent trapped inside the grey-walled world an eating disorder have taught me that our bodies need nourishment, not deprivation.) And a little exercise, in moderation, never hurts either. :)

Loved the description of walnut in that pic and that runny egg is so appetising. I used to love the blanched beets in my salad when i was working in London. The beets were the reason i looked forward to lunch. Your salad looks delicious and the photos are all fab as always.

Beautifully written, Rosa. While you are having a severe winter, we have had very warm temperatures here in Georgia-crazy, isn't it? Your egg salad with the beets, walnuts and runny egg looks divine and the photo of the walnuts in the silver footed bowl is awesome.

Dear Rosa, I enjoyed very much your post. It is very interesting to discover our roots and what makes us who we are. Thank you for sharing this. The beet salad and egg is very nourishing and a good recipe. Eating more veggies is good for us and will keep us in tip-top shape. Blessings my dear, Catherine xoxo

wow I love that photo of you and your mother...really really beautiful. And my 2nd favourite is that bowl of walnuts ;-) You are such a talented photographer. Had a salad with roasted beet today for the supper...now I wonder why I forgot to add a runny egg...

I grew up enduring the cold, Illinois winters, but I much prefer the very mild winter months in Texas where I live now. And, I love winter vegetables. Your beet salad looks perfect with the egg on top!

I adore runny eggs, yours looks amazing Rosa. As does your salad, so delicious with simple flavours, the way a good salad should be. Your photos are just so beautiful, as always. You really do have an amazing talent.

oh how i love everything about this! your history, your culture and that portrait--it's most definitely you! Your eyes haven't changed a bit! Great looking salad, too! Look at that. We were working on beetroot at the same time!

Beautiful, beautiful pictures. The idea of the runny egg yolk and the beets in the salad made me salivate. It sound like a delicious combination. I agree with you, love of cold or warm weather must be in our DNA. All I can say is I love seasons even though I do enjoy summer as much as the next person.

Rosa, you were so adorable (well, you still are), but what an imp! I can almost hear your laughter looking at that wonderful photo! Spring has arrived in Nantes after a much-too-short winter and almost no snow... and husband has been doing the cooking which means heavier dishes. I love the look of this pretty salad and the flavors and textures must be wonderful. Beautiful too.

Rosa, the pictures are awesome, especially the one from your grandfather....as for the salad, you got me on the runny egg...tasty combination with beets, cottage cheese and walnut...so simple and yet so elegant.Hope you are having a fabulous week :)

Rosa, I must have this..that runny egg over the beets and cottage cheese is driving me crazy! That said, you have really blossomed into a professional and beautiful photographer. I'm simply awed by your photos.

I'm not sure about the weather. I thought I loved cold, until I experienced temperatures below -10C. I just can't cope with them! Maybe it is in my genes after all. Anyway, spring will soon arrive.

Lovely salad combination, and the pictures are breathtaking! I like roasting beetroots. Whenever I have the oven on, I throw a couple of them in, well wrapped in foil, and then I peel them and freeze them if I don't need them soon.

You're so right about diets not working and sensible eating and exercising is the only way to go. I love this recipe! Especially since I started a new healthy blog called beetroot and Halloumi ..:) I would love to feature your recipe there! I'll tweet you about it!

Love the pictures, especially the tree laden with snow. I wish more people believed as you do about food and heatlh, balance without the crazy diets. The beet salad looks great. After what you said about the European cold wave, I can't complain about the bit of rain we have been getting.